The Importance of Integrating Theory and Practice in the Training of Primary Care Managers in Brazil

Abstract

The professional training of Primary Health Care managers in Brazil is essential for strengthening the public health system, particularly in addressing challenges related to service organization and the provision of comprehensive, effective care. This study aims to analyze, based on recent scientific literature, the importance of integrating theory and practice in the training of Primary Health Care managers, identifying challenges, potentialities, and strategies that may contribute to improving health management. This is a qualitative integrative review conducted in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Virtual Health Library, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2019 to 2023. The search was guided by controlled descriptors from the Health Sciences Descriptors, combined using the Boolean operator AND. Study selection followed pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analysis was conducted through Content Analysis using the Thematic Analysis approach. Results indicate that the integration of theory and practice remains a persistent challenge, as many managers struggle to apply theoretical knowledge in their daily work. Strategies such as Continuing Health Education and the use of active methodologies help bridge scientific knowledge and professional practice, fostering more critical, reflective, and contextualized training. It is concluded that investment in comprehensive training processes aligned with the service context is essential for raising the quality of Primary Health Care management.